I'm done with drugs and alcohol

[Avocado]

Wow, there is some really insightful stuff in this thread. Nice topic greatspirit. And good for you for finding cannabis' place in your life.

I went back to the basic anatomy, and looked at the neurological input to the pineal gland. I found there are four neural ganglia (kind of like mini-brains or relay stations) that feed into the pineal gland. Turns out each of them is activated by a different behavior or activity that is associated with meditative practices.

One of them is located near the top of the cervical spine, right at the point where the neck flexes and extends when one is nodding. Thus, its activity is modulated by the specific angle at which the head rests upon the spine. Turns out the ideal angle is achieved by sitting with the spine fully erect, and the head positioned about 10-15 degrees below a line parallel with the ground. Just as the yogis recommend.

A second ganglion is stretched across a little plateau of bone in the inner ear, and responds to vibration, such as is generated by chanting, toning, hitting a gong, or ringing a bell or one of those Tibetan bowls.

A third one is related to the olfactory nerve, which translates our sense of smell as well as the sensation of air moving through the nasal cavity. Thus it is activated by the lighting of incense, and focusing one's awareness on the tip of the nose where the air is moving in and out. Another nerve from this ganglion drops down through the head and emerges right at the point where the hard palate meets the soft palate- exactly where yogis advise to place the tongue during meditative practice.

The fourth one is related to our perception of light and motion. Turns out that the perfect way to activate this one is to focus one's gaze at a flickering candlelight in an otherwise dim room... again just as the yogis recommend!

I found this VERY useful. Science really motivates me. Thank you very much for sharing Tenet.

Also thanks to Godwide_void for helping me see new light. I've very recently formed a spiritual bond with psychedlic plants (havn't used them since forming said bond) but I've lacked the language to describe my feelings for them. Instead of "tripping" I can now apply my newfound vocabulary which further reinforces my feelings. I hold reverence and immense gratitude for the plants that help facillitate spiritual communion.

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Oh Tenet. Are you a scientist or something? Is it possible for a lay person to look this stuff up like me. I like to go off people's words and believe them but it would be nice to share this with others who don't work like me. thanks